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OASIS Conversations: Leading with an Open Mindset to Maximize Potential
Are you an open-minded person? Of course you are! It's other people who are the problem, right? Sometimes trying to communicate with them is frustrating, drains your energy, and feels nearly impossible. But guess what? Those people think they are open-minded too, and they probably think you are the problem. What if you could turn the desert of miscommunication that exists into an oasis where you can have refreshing conversations that will lead to empathy, insight and reach mutually beneficial agreements? In OASIS Conversations, Ann Van Eron draws on scientific brain research and her years of coaching experience to teach readers a process of achieving mind-opening connections with others. Find out why global organizations, Fortune 500 corporations, and even families are benefiting from the OASIS Conversation process. Learn how to minimize misunderstandings and reap amazing results. A better way awaits you in these pages. You will learn how to lead with an open mindset to ensure unparalleled results. OASIS Conversations provides a practical pathway to positive and productive relationships.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 24, 2016
7 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
Ann Van Eron
5 books2 followersDr. Ann Van Eron, the principal of Potentials, founded the company in 1984 to assist organizations and individuals to better understand and fully develop their capabilities. An expert in Organization Development and a Master Certified Executive and Leadership Coach, Ann travels the globe assisting organizations in:
Leadership and Executive Development
Assessing, planning, and implementing complex change
Facilitating teams to function with greater effectiveness
Enhancing open-minded conversations at all levels of the organization
Reducing conflict so all people feel respected, valued, and able to contribute their creativity to the organization
Creating engaging and productive organizational cultures
Ann is committed to developing customized solutions to today’s challenges through coaching, consultation, team facilitation and leadership training. She knows the importance of a systems perspective and understanding a specific culture and environment.
Ann works with corporations, government agencies, and educational institutions. In addition to consulting, she conducts research, speaks and is an author.
Her book, OASIS Conversations: Leading with an Open Mindset to Maximize Potential explores a process for communicating with anyone who has a different perspective (everyone) that has been tested all over the world. Other publications are on coaching, organization development, leadership, effective relationships and diversity.
An exceptional facilitator and trainer, Ann has developed a wide range of training programs which empower managers, leaders, and staff to communicate effectively in a diverse and global environment, including OASIS Moves®, her signature process for mindful conversations.
Ann works with leaders, multicultural teams and organizations in North America, Europe, Asia, South America and Africa.
Prior to founding Potentials, Ann gained significant management experience as a corporate officer with a Fortune 50 service corporation.
Ann completed her Bachelors degree at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. and earned her M.A. and Ph.D. in Organization Psychology from Columbia University. She also completed post-graduate training in individual and group process at the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland in addition to advanced study and certification as a somatic and Master Coach.
Ann is a member of: Academy of Management; Society for Human Resource Management; American Psychological Association; Association for Talent Development; Organization Development Network; Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology; and is one of the first Master Certified Coaches from the International Coach Federation.
Leadership and Executive Development
Assessing, planning, and implementing complex change
Facilitating teams to function with greater effectiveness
Enhancing open-minded conversations at all levels of the organization
Reducing conflict so all people feel respected, valued, and able to contribute their creativity to the organization
Creating engaging and productive organizational cultures
Ann is committed to developing customized solutions to today’s challenges through coaching, consultation, team facilitation and leadership training. She knows the importance of a systems perspective and understanding a specific culture and environment.
Ann works with corporations, government agencies, and educational institutions. In addition to consulting, she conducts research, speaks and is an author.
Her book, OASIS Conversations: Leading with an Open Mindset to Maximize Potential explores a process for communicating with anyone who has a different perspective (everyone) that has been tested all over the world. Other publications are on coaching, organization development, leadership, effective relationships and diversity.
An exceptional facilitator and trainer, Ann has developed a wide range of training programs which empower managers, leaders, and staff to communicate effectively in a diverse and global environment, including OASIS Moves®, her signature process for mindful conversations.
Ann works with leaders, multicultural teams and organizations in North America, Europe, Asia, South America and Africa.
Prior to founding Potentials, Ann gained significant management experience as a corporate officer with a Fortune 50 service corporation.
Ann completed her Bachelors degree at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. and earned her M.A. and Ph.D. in Organization Psychology from Columbia University. She also completed post-graduate training in individual and group process at the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland in addition to advanced study and certification as a somatic and Master Coach.
Ann is a member of: Academy of Management; Society for Human Resource Management; American Psychological Association; Association for Talent Development; Organization Development Network; Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology; and is one of the first Master Certified Coaches from the International Coach Federation.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
October 27, 2016
“You can go from draining interactions to creating an engaging workplace or environment and moving it forward into successful and dynamic new possibilities” – Dr. Ann Van Eron
Conversation and communication have taken a hit by new technologies that are literally in our faces on a daily basis. Young students are learning on tablets and slim laptops rather than by pencil. The art of cursive, spoken, and written communication is starting to become more antiquated and shorted into sound bites. Communication is a key driver for effective collaboration and strong teams. With the world changing so quickly, we need to step back and converse differently and have more effective communication strategies.
As leaders, we know that some conversations are tough, intense, and downright intimidating. We are faced with conversing about uncomfortable matters, issues that may blow up, and ideas that may lead to mass dissent. These talks need some planning and our ability to be open, have self-awareness, and the willingness to agree on solutions. The new book Oasis Conversations – Leading with an Open Mindset to Maximize Potential by Dr. Ann Van Eron addresses these finer points of leading effective conversations that have impact.
The way that we communicate has changed over the years. I remember being a young manager and the attitude was “do it or else”. Now we connect more authentically and seek to convince people to jump on board with an idea. Managers strive to be more influential and collaborative on everyday tasks and large projects alike. We open ourselves up more and try to lead with open integrity. Strong communicators are resilient and don’t react to the judgment of others. Moreover, effective conversationalists remain curious about people, take the time to converse, listen more effectively, and keep dialog moving along. Are your conversations fruitful?
Why an “oasis” conversation? An oasis is obviously a gleaming lush area in a remote place. Ann is referencing “something that provides refuge, relief, or pleasant contrast” – Merriam-Webster Dictionary. I would love all of my conversations to be free of conflict or misunderstandings. An “oasis” conversation brings to mind an experience of calm, collaboration, and peacefulness. Dr. Van Eron offers a 5 step process for creating the perfect environment in which to bring collaboration, come to agreement, find solutions, and empower those involved. By inserting these principles into your next conversation at work or home, you will have more effective and productive conversations that leave everyone feeling empowered and involved.
O – OBSERVATION: Slow down at look at the data and don’t jump to conclusions. Reduce your defensiveness and try to blur your own background and influences to taint the conversation.
A – AWARENESS: Be mindful of your assumptions and manage your emotions and personal views. Remain open to interaction by suspending any judgment.
S – SHIFT: Step back from reacting and shift to being open to other possibilities. This may be very challenging to do. You may need to count to 10 or bite your lip. Start practicing positive intent and keep your calm. At all costs, keep your strategies to yourself until you can converse.
I – Importance: Examine what is important to all those involved and create a true “oasis” of understanding and agreement. Don’t just jump to conclusions and try to rely on these 4 skills – mirroring one another, empathy, ask empowering questions, and notice the type of interaction you are having (telling, selling, and getting).
S – Solution: If you guide your conversations including the elements above you will successfully identify options, strategies, and agree on solutions.
In every conversation it is critical that we remain open with our minds and our bodies in all of our conversations. Body language is so powerful and if you aren’t opening your mind, the disconnect will be reflected in your body. The key stances that you need to take during every interaction should include:
Curious
Compassionate
Courageous
Appreciative
Optimistic
Welcoming
Written and spoken communication is the key to success in any interaction. Look how often spouses have disagreements over a simple lack of words and because we can’t read one another’s mind. Notice in your next meeting how easy it is for information to be misunderstood or underrepresented due to lacking communication of details or key points. Negotiations and relationships break down daily because of blaming and conversations that go off tract. Oasis Conversations offers a clear guide to ensuring that your next conversation is solid, opening, lacking conflict, and brings joint agreement on solutions. Who doesn’t want that?
Dr. Van Eron adds additional meat to this process including case studies, personal experiences, the impact of brain connections on each element and questions for leaders to seek personal answers to. These elements help roll the Oasis process into a simple and effective tool that can be utilized in any situation. Some leaders keep a card with the word “oasis” written on it as they hold critical conversations to keep their thoughts on track. Dr. Van Eron has been using this tool for years with a variety of organizations and it works. Who doesn’t need another tool in the leadership toolbox?
Oasis of Conversations does not disappoint and will support you in your leadership in the following ways:
Understand why people have different definitions of respect
Enable you to better deal with resistance and tough situations
Develop and encourage an open mindset
Assess your own “inner climate” and how it fits in with the different personal and professional environments in which you live
How to create positive and real productive conversations
How to better withhold judgment of others and their opinions
Enable you to create a personal path to follow when preparing for and handling delicate conversations
Better understand the motives of others and place yourself in their shoes
Oasis Conversations is an effective guide to use in all aspects of your life. Moreover, Dr. Van Eron’s book is applicable to people of all ages and across the diversity of the paths that we all walk every day. Are you ready to create your own “oasis” during your next conversation?
Conversation and communication have taken a hit by new technologies that are literally in our faces on a daily basis. Young students are learning on tablets and slim laptops rather than by pencil. The art of cursive, spoken, and written communication is starting to become more antiquated and shorted into sound bites. Communication is a key driver for effective collaboration and strong teams. With the world changing so quickly, we need to step back and converse differently and have more effective communication strategies.
As leaders, we know that some conversations are tough, intense, and downright intimidating. We are faced with conversing about uncomfortable matters, issues that may blow up, and ideas that may lead to mass dissent. These talks need some planning and our ability to be open, have self-awareness, and the willingness to agree on solutions. The new book Oasis Conversations – Leading with an Open Mindset to Maximize Potential by Dr. Ann Van Eron addresses these finer points of leading effective conversations that have impact.
The way that we communicate has changed over the years. I remember being a young manager and the attitude was “do it or else”. Now we connect more authentically and seek to convince people to jump on board with an idea. Managers strive to be more influential and collaborative on everyday tasks and large projects alike. We open ourselves up more and try to lead with open integrity. Strong communicators are resilient and don’t react to the judgment of others. Moreover, effective conversationalists remain curious about people, take the time to converse, listen more effectively, and keep dialog moving along. Are your conversations fruitful?
Why an “oasis” conversation? An oasis is obviously a gleaming lush area in a remote place. Ann is referencing “something that provides refuge, relief, or pleasant contrast” – Merriam-Webster Dictionary. I would love all of my conversations to be free of conflict or misunderstandings. An “oasis” conversation brings to mind an experience of calm, collaboration, and peacefulness. Dr. Van Eron offers a 5 step process for creating the perfect environment in which to bring collaboration, come to agreement, find solutions, and empower those involved. By inserting these principles into your next conversation at work or home, you will have more effective and productive conversations that leave everyone feeling empowered and involved.
O – OBSERVATION: Slow down at look at the data and don’t jump to conclusions. Reduce your defensiveness and try to blur your own background and influences to taint the conversation.
A – AWARENESS: Be mindful of your assumptions and manage your emotions and personal views. Remain open to interaction by suspending any judgment.
S – SHIFT: Step back from reacting and shift to being open to other possibilities. This may be very challenging to do. You may need to count to 10 or bite your lip. Start practicing positive intent and keep your calm. At all costs, keep your strategies to yourself until you can converse.
I – Importance: Examine what is important to all those involved and create a true “oasis” of understanding and agreement. Don’t just jump to conclusions and try to rely on these 4 skills – mirroring one another, empathy, ask empowering questions, and notice the type of interaction you are having (telling, selling, and getting).
S – Solution: If you guide your conversations including the elements above you will successfully identify options, strategies, and agree on solutions.
In every conversation it is critical that we remain open with our minds and our bodies in all of our conversations. Body language is so powerful and if you aren’t opening your mind, the disconnect will be reflected in your body. The key stances that you need to take during every interaction should include:
Curious
Compassionate
Courageous
Appreciative
Optimistic
Welcoming
Written and spoken communication is the key to success in any interaction. Look how often spouses have disagreements over a simple lack of words and because we can’t read one another’s mind. Notice in your next meeting how easy it is for information to be misunderstood or underrepresented due to lacking communication of details or key points. Negotiations and relationships break down daily because of blaming and conversations that go off tract. Oasis Conversations offers a clear guide to ensuring that your next conversation is solid, opening, lacking conflict, and brings joint agreement on solutions. Who doesn’t want that?
Dr. Van Eron adds additional meat to this process including case studies, personal experiences, the impact of brain connections on each element and questions for leaders to seek personal answers to. These elements help roll the Oasis process into a simple and effective tool that can be utilized in any situation. Some leaders keep a card with the word “oasis” written on it as they hold critical conversations to keep their thoughts on track. Dr. Van Eron has been using this tool for years with a variety of organizations and it works. Who doesn’t need another tool in the leadership toolbox?
Oasis of Conversations does not disappoint and will support you in your leadership in the following ways:
Understand why people have different definitions of respect
Enable you to better deal with resistance and tough situations
Develop and encourage an open mindset
Assess your own “inner climate” and how it fits in with the different personal and professional environments in which you live
How to create positive and real productive conversations
How to better withhold judgment of others and their opinions
Enable you to create a personal path to follow when preparing for and handling delicate conversations
Better understand the motives of others and place yourself in their shoes
Oasis Conversations is an effective guide to use in all aspects of your life. Moreover, Dr. Van Eron’s book is applicable to people of all ages and across the diversity of the paths that we all walk every day. Are you ready to create your own “oasis” during your next conversation?
December 8, 2023
OASIS Conversations: Leading with an Open Mindset to Maximize Potential" by Dr. Ann Van Eron is a timely and insightful read, particularly valuable in today's divided world. Van Eron presents a compassionate and practical approach to navigate challenging interactions, whether in personal relationships or professional settings. The OASIS model (Observation, Awareness, Shift, Importance, Solution) is not just a theory but a transformative tool, offering readers effective strategies to overcome biases, misunderstandings, and conflicts. This book is more than a guide to effective communication; it's a roadmap to cultivating empathy and understanding in an increasingly multicultural society. As someone who applied these methods, I've experienced firsthand the profound impact of deeper, more meaningful connections in all areas of my life.
October 31, 2016
This book takes you on a journey of deep listening, trust building, and truly meaningful dialogue. The reader can't help but reflect and develop improvement goals while learning to build a clear intention, plan when possible, and build rapport using OASIS conversations:
O = Observation
A = Awareness (of assumptions, emotions, and background)
S = Shift (to being open)
I = Importance
S = Solution
Every leader would do well to learn and use this framework. As an educational leader, the lessons of this book are instantly transferable to the context of working with principals, teachers, students, and families.
O = Observation
A = Awareness (of assumptions, emotions, and background)
S = Shift (to being open)
I = Importance
S = Solution
Every leader would do well to learn and use this framework. As an educational leader, the lessons of this book are instantly transferable to the context of working with principals, teachers, students, and families.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews